Section 978.5 Of Chapter 1. Of The Arraignment Of The Defendant From California Penal Code >> Title 6. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 1.
978.5
. (a) A bench warrant of arrest may be issued whenever a
defendant fails to appear in court as required by law including, but
not limited to, the following situations:
(1) If the defendant is ordered by a judge or magistrate to
personally appear in court at a specific time and place.
(2) If the defendant is released from custody on bail and is
ordered by a judge or magistrate, or other person authorized to
accept bail, to personally appear in court at a specific time and
place.
(3) If the defendant is released from custody on his own
recognizance and promises to personally appear in court at a specific
time and place.
(4) If the defendant is released from custody or arrest upon
citation by a peace officer or other person authorized to issue
citations and the defendant has signed a promise to personally appear
in court at a specific time and place.
(5) If a defendant is authorized to appear by counsel and the
court or magistrate orders that the defendant personally appear in
court at a specific time and place.
(6) If an information or indictment has been filed in the superior
court and the court has fixed the date and place for the defendant
personally to appear for arraignment.
(b) The bench warrant may be served in any county in the same
manner as a warrant of arrest.